High Chaparral (right) survived an objection and a stewards' inquiry

The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old held off a late challenge from Falbrav to claim the Group One contest, run over 1�m, a distance which had not been thought not to be his ideal trip.

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Falbrav, ridden by Darryll Holland, had had to weave his way down the inside after getting blocked but fought back to almost snatch victory with filly Islington a close third.

Falbrav's connections launched an objection to the winner after the race and the stewards had their own inquiry but the placings remained unaltered.

It was a sweet win for O'Brien, who had last year seen Hawk Wing denied by Grandera on the line in another three-way tussle.

France, the only runner in the field not to have won a Group One race, set the early pace with Moon Ballad taking up the lead going into the final half-mile.

It was great for him to do that today because we thought it would take two runs at least to have him really ready High Chaparral's trainer Aidan O'Brien

As the horses turned into the home straight, Alamshar looked to be threatening down the inside but faded as High Chaparral made his move.

Holland searched desperately for room to make his challenge on Falbrav and there was a bit of bumping and barging with Frankie Dettori having to snatch up Moon Ballad.

But Holland's efforts were in vain as Mick Kinane, winning the race for the fifth time, urged High Chaparral all the way to the line to win the first prize of �413,000.

High Chaparral, who has now won five Group One races, will now be aimed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and bookmakers immediately cut his odds to around 3-1 for the Longchamp race at the beginning of October.

I think I was unlucky, but I am biased and would say that, wouldn't I? Falbrav's trainer Luca Cumani

"It was great for him to do that today because we thought it would take two runs at least to have him really ready," said O'Brien.

"He has plenty of speed and would probably have run over a mile earlier in the season, had he not bruised his shoulder.

"It's a relief to have him back safe. He handles fast ground but it was still a worry over the trip. The Arc has always been the plan."

Falbrav's rider Holland felt he was unlucky not to get the result overturned.

"Mick (Kinane) drifted across to the left and forced me into Dettori (on Moon Ballad) and intimidated me close to the line," said Holland. "I was desperately unlucky."

Falbrav's trainer Luca Cumani added: "I think I was unlucky, but I am biased and would say that, wouldn't I?

"He never had any room, and when he got room, he was pushed. We think we are the moral winners, but that doesn't put bread on the table."

Current World Series standings

The Irish Champion Stakes forms part of the World Series Racing Championship, a global competition for Flat horses.

Ireland the Food Island Champion Stakes (Group One)
1m 2f, Leopardstown

1 High Chaparral (M Kinane) 4-1
2 Falbrav (D Holland) 11-4
3 Islington (K Fallon) 16-1
7 ran. Dist: Nk, hd